US embassy cable - 05KINGSTON275

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000275 
 
SIPDIS 
 
WHA/CAR (BENT), S/CT AND IO/UNP 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PTER, ASEC, PREL, JM 
SUBJECT: GOJ COMMITTED TO RATIFYING COUNTERTERRORISM 
CONVENTIONS 
 
REF: STATE 269653 
 
On January 24, Post received a diplomatic note from the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT) 
responding to the Counterterrorism Action Group's (CTAG) 
urging of the ratification of all counterterrorism 
conventions (Reftel).  The MFAFT reaffirmed its commitment to 
combat international terrorism and reiterated that the 
Terrorism Prevention Bill will allow the GOJ to ratify the 
remaining outstanding conventions.  This legislation is 
expected to be debated in the House of Representatives in 
February. 
 
Begin text of dipnote: 
 
50/101/113 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade presents 
its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of 
America and has the honour to refer to the latter's Note No. 
385/04 of 29th December, 2004 concerning previous discussions 
relating to international counter-terrorism, conventions and 
protocols. 
 
The Government of Jamaica reaffirms its commitment to combat 
international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. 
Every effort has been made to develop legislation which will 
effectively implement Jamaica's obligations in the fight 
against terrorism while respecting the fundamental rights and 
freedoms of all its citizens. 
 
The Embassy will recall that the legislation to implement 
UNSCR 1373, the Terrorism Prevention Bill, was tabled in the 
House of Representatives on 28th October, 2004 and 
reintroduced on 20th April, 2004 when Parliament resumed 
sitting.  The Bill was also referred to a Joint Select 
Committee of Parliament for further discussion and the report 
of the Committee was tabled in the House on 28th October, 
2004 along with a Minority report. 
 
It is intended to commence debate on the Bill in February 
2005, with a view to passage in the House of Representatives. 
 As the foregoing indicates, the Government of Jamaica has 
never waivered in its efforts to put this legislation in 
place, within the context of the rule of law and respect for 
the rights and freedoms of others. 
 
The Government of Jamaica will advise the United Nations 
Security Council when the legislation is in place. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade avails 
itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the 
United States of America the assurances of its highest 
consideration. 
 
The Embassy of the United States of America 
Kingston, January 19, 2005 
 
End text of dipnote. 
 
(Note:  The Terrorism Prevention Bill was reintroduced in 
April, 2004 and was tabled in the House of Representatives in 
October, 2004.  End Note.) 
TIGHE